News Summary
- Jorge Martín says he has recovered sufficiently to contest the Austrian GP
- The Aprilia rider suffered severe arm pump during the Misano race
- Austria will determine whether Martín undergoes surgery after the weekend
Jorge Martín has declared himself fit for the Austrian Grand Prix but admitted that the Red Bull Ring weekend will determine whether he requires surgery on his right arm.
The Aprilia rider suffered a severe episode of arm pump during the San Marino Grand Prix. Martín briefly passed Marc Márquez for the lead at Misano before losing strength in his right forearm, dropping down the order and finishing fifth.
Márquez won the race and moved ahead in the MotoGP standings on the victory-count tiebreaker. The two Spaniards arrive in Austria level on 274 points.
Martín said on Thursday that his condition had improved enough for him to approach the weekend normally. However, another episode could result in an operation as early as Monday.
“I think I recovered quite well,” Martín said during the official pre-event press conference. “I will approach the weekend as if it were normal and, if it happens again, I will make a decision.”
Jorge Martín suffered severe arm pump during the San Marino GP (Photo: AFP)
Arm pump, medically known as chronic exertional compartment syndrome, occurs when pressure builds inside the forearm and restricts muscle function. The condition can cause pain, numbness and a significant loss of strength—particularly under the heavy braking loads experienced by MotoGP riders.
Martín believes the Red Bull Ring should not be among the most physically demanding circuits for the problem.
“Honestly, I don’t think this is the most difficult circuit in that sense,” he continued. “I am completely focused on the weekend and concentrated on making the bike work.”
The Austrian event nevertheless provides an important physical test. Its layout includes three major braking zones during the opening half of the lap, including the uphill approach to Turn 3 and the heavy stop into Turn 4.
If the symptoms return, Martín will have to consider surgery while attempting to preserve his championship challenge. There are eight rounds remaining after Misano, with Austria beginning a run that will take MotoGP through Japan, Indonesia and Australia.
Martín is trying to treat the close title fight as an opportunity rather than an additional source of pressure.
“Now is the moment to get closer to Marc, who is very strong, and I will try to do that,” he said. “I will try to give my maximum.
“It is fantastic, and I am happy that at this stage of the season we are level in the championship. It is crazy.”
Jorge Martín, Marc Márquez and Pedro Acosta spoke ahead of the Austrian GP (Photo: AFP)
Despite being hindered by his arm at Misano, Martín found encouragement in his ability to race Márquez directly before the symptoms intensified.
“I really enjoyed being with Marc during the Misano race and even being able to overtake him,” the Aprilia rider added.
“Even though I finished fifth, I took positive things from the race. I hope my physical condition this weekend is good enough to stay with him until the end.”
The Red Bull Ring carries particular significance for Martín. He secured his first MotoGP victory at the Austrian circuit in 2021, during his rookie campaign with Pramac Ducati.
“It is a great memory,” he said. “Winning is always incredible, and the first victory is even more special.
“But that is in the past. Now we have to try to repeat it.”
MotoGP FP1 begins at 09:45 BST on Friday. The Sprint starts at 14:00 BST on Saturday, while Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix is scheduled for 13:00 BST.
MotoGP today: FAQ
Who was fastest in Indonesian MotoGP Practice at Mandalika?
Raúl Fernández topped Friday’s Practice with a new Mandalika lap record of 1:28.725, leading an Aprilia 1-2-3 ahead of Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín. Marc Márquez finished fifth, 0.220s behind championship rival Martín. All four qualified directly for Q2.
Can Marc Márquez take the MotoGP championship lead in Saturday’s sprint?
Yes. Márquez trails Jorge Martín by just two points, 331 to 333. The Ducati rider can move ahead by scoring at least three more points than Martín during Saturday’s sprint. A Márquez victory would guarantee the championship lead regardless of Martín’s result.
What time is Indonesian MotoGP qualifying and the sprint on Saturday?
Qualifying begins at 10:50 local time on Saturday, October 10, equivalent to 03:50 BST in the UK and 22:50 EDT on Friday in the United States and Canada. The sprint starts at 15:00 local time, equivalent to 08:00 BST and 03:00 EDT on Saturday.
